Diane Eversole

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Eversole on January 20, 2026, at the age of 89. A devoted wife, mother, and community leader, Diane leaves a legacy of hard work, service, and unwavering dedication to family.

Born January 9, 1937, Diane was a proud member of the Carroll and Lancaster communities, where she and her husband, Charles, shared 70 years of marriage. Together they built a life centered on family and community involvement.

For more than 70 years, Diane made Fairfield County her home and devoted much of her life to education. She held the position of principal for 19 years in three different Lancaster city schools. Prior to that she was a county supervisor and a teacher at Bloom-Carroll. As an educator she served on numerous not-for-profit community committees both in Lancaster and in the county: New Horizons Mental Health Services, United Way, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio when it was being organized, and the Fairfield County Heritage Association, where she filled every chair as a volunteer and was co-director of the Georgian Museum. As a principal she accomplished one of her dreams by creating a Student Mediation program. Students were taught mediation skills and how to deal with teasers and bullies. This project required massive amounts of administrative time, but it was spent in positive student contact versus time spent trying to figure out who started what and how to punish the culprit.

She left her job in education because of health problems but never one to be idle accepted the position as executive director of the Fairfield County Foundation. She was quoted as saying “The foundation is the best asset in the community,” and “you give back for the space you take up on the Earth and I have been fortunate to be in a position to do that”.

Diane was recognized with the 1998 Athena Award from the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce. The ATHENA® Award celebrates an individual who strives toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, have devoted time and energy to their community, and who inspires women to reach their full potential.

A hardworking mother married to a farmer, Diane balanced career, family, and service with energy and grace. Even while facing chronic health challenges later in life, she continued to find joy in friendship, family, and laughter. When not working or volunteering, Diane and Charlie enjoyed traveling with their friends throughout the US and Europe along with many memorable family vacations.

Diane and Charlie raised two sons, Steve (Denise) and Eric (Suzanna), who carry forward her example of dedication and community involvement. She is also survived by five grandchildren—Alex (Jamie), Clint, Kara, Garrett, and Colin—and two great‑grandchildren, Theo and Jojo. Her absence leaves an irreplaceable space in the family, but her love remains with us all.

DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS THE CALLING AND MEMORIAL SERVICE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE. KEEP WATCHING FOR UPDATES IN THE FUTURE.    FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, LANCASTER, OHIO 43130. 

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you donate to Fairfield County Heritage Association, 105 E. Wheeling St. Lancaster, OH 43130.